Display devices

ABSTRACT

A display device having a composite hinged section which is adapted to receive a plurality of display panels. The hinge section generally consist of a hinge means and a plurality of display panel retaining means. In the preferred embodiment the hinged section is formed from a plurality of U shaped channels the backs and or side of which are connected in such fashion that the individual channels can move in a plane which is parallel with the axis of said channels. The channels can be connected by a plurality of means. It is preferred that a hinge be formed by a sheet material which is attached to the display panel retaining means or that the hinge be an integral part of the display panel retaining means.

United States Patent Miller [54] DISPLAY DEVICES [72] Inventor: Melvin M. Miller, 3302 Stoney Crest, Bloomington, Ind. 47401 [22] Filed: June 29,1970

[21] Appl.No.: 50,586

Davidson 160/23 1 X [4 1 May 16, 1972 Primary Examiner-Peter M. Caun Attorney-Donald R. Bahr ABSTRACT A display device having a composite hinged section which is adapted to receive a plurality of display panels. The hinge section generally consist of a hinge means and a plurality of display panel retaining means. In the preferred embodiment the hinged section is formed from a plurality of U shaped channels the backs and or side of which are connected in such fashion that the individual channels can move in a plane which is parallel with the axis of said channels. The channels can be connected by a plurality of means. It is preferred that a hinge be formed by a sheet material which is attached to the display panel retaining means or that the hinge be an integral part of the display panel retaining means.

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ATTORNEY DISPLAY DEVICES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Field of the Invention This invention is concerned with foldable display devices which are useful as visual aids. More specifically the field of this invention is display devices which are formed from elongated channel sections and display panels wherein said display panels can radially project from a hinged section.

B. Description of the Prior Art Display devices which utilize a wide variety of sheet and channel sections are known in the prior art. For example many displays consist of for example plywood sheets or sheets of corrugated paper which are inter connected by a series of channel members. The prior art display devices suffer from a major handicap in that they are difficult to assemble. As the result of this difficulty the prior art devices are not suitable for use on a short term basis, for example a short sales presentation.

In contrast with these problems the device of this invention can be assembled and made ready for usage in a short period of time.

Most of the prior art devices require that a large number of mechanical connections be made in the assembly operation. The device of this invention can be assembled to produce a complete display by the formation of a single mechanical connection or a small number of connections depending on the embodiment.

Most of the prior art display devices due to their complexity require an above average mechanical appitude for assembly. Contra to this the subject display device can be easily assembled by a person with minimal mechanical dexerity.

Many of the prior art devices can not be folded into a small package. The device of this invention can be readily folded into a compact package.

Finally the prior art display devices are disadvantageous in that if they incorporate a plurality of panels which are angularly disposed to each other, these panels cannot remain attached to their supporting members when the display is disassembled. In contrast the display of this invention can incorporate a plurality of angularly disposed panels which do not have to be disconnected from the support sections when the display is disassembled. I

Finally in the display device of this invention the supporting channels and sheet sections cooperate in such a fashion that a display of superior structural rigidity is produced. In contrast in' many of the prior art devices the component parts do not cooperate so as to produce a rigid structure.

C. Summary of the Invention The subject invention relates to display devices which incorporate a composite hinged section. Attached to the hinged section are plurality of display panels. The display device of this invention can incorporate a large number of configuratrons.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 and 2 are cross section views of hinge center sections in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 3 and 4 are cross section views of display panels showing scores which are adapted for use in this invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross section showing the nip which may be used in securing display panels to the channels of the hinge center section.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a display of this invention in a semi-folded stance.

FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the fold-out step of the assembly of the display device of FIG.6.

FIG. 8 is a cutaway top perspective view of the folded-out assembled display device of FIG. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view illustrating the details of the channels sections used in this invention.

FIG. 10, l l and 12 illustrate another embodiment of the display device of this invention wherein channels are not used to lock the outer extremities of the display panels together.

FIGS. l3, l5 and 16 are top perspective views which illustrate rotatable displays in accordance with this invention.

FIGS. 14 and 17 are side perspective views illustrating bearings for use in the displays of FIG. l3, l5 and 16.

FIGS. 18 and 19 are cutaway side views of display panels which can be used in this invention.

FIG. 18a is a cutaway side view showing the mode whereby the display panel of FIG. 18 (after being scored is used singly and is gripped by a channel.

FIG. 19a is a cutaway side view showing the mode whereby the display panels of FIG. 19 (without score) are gripped by a channel.

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of an alternate hinge section which can be used in this invention where the hinges are integral with the channel sections.

FIG. 21 is a side view illustrating in detail the hinge of the hinge section of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22, 23, 24 and 25 are top view illustrating some of the possible configurations which the hinge center sections of FIG. 20 can assume.

FIG. 26, 27, 28 and 28a are top perspective views illustrating an alternate embodiment of this invention wherein solid (non scored) display panels may be used.

FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of this invention illustrating still another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 30 to are top and perspective views illustrating various embodiments of display devices in accordance with this invention, their plan view, their assembly, and disassembly and their construction.

FIG. 71 to 77 are top perspective views illustrating a briefcase type display in accordance with this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1 it can be seen that composite hinge section 2 incorporates a plurality of display panel retaining means, in this instance U shaped channels 4,6 and 8. The bottom sections 4a, 6a and 8a of channels 4,6 and 8 are securred together by a hinge means 10. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention hinge means 10 consists of a flexible tape which is backed on one side with an adhesive. The adhesive is used to secure the tape to bottom sections 4a, 6a and 8a, thereby securing channels 4,6 and 8 to each other. The application of hinge mans 10 in the form of tape to the backs of the U shaped channels is further illustrated in FIG. 6, where it can be seen that channels 4,6, and 8 are securred in relationship to each other by means of tape 10.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a hinge section 2a which can be used in this invention. In this embodiment additional hinge means 10a and 10b are provided for additional strength. Hinge means 10a is attached to one side of channel 4 and to one side of channel 6. Hinge means 10b is attached to one side of channel 6 and to one side of channel 8.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 6 it can be seen that in FIG. 1 the sheet retaining means (U shaped channels 4, 6 and 8) are angularly disposed to each other. Due to the flexible nature of the hinge between these channels, hinge section 10, these channels can be positioned in such a manner that they are parallel with each other. This stance is illustrated in FIG. 6. Naturally when the channel sections are parallel with each other display panels contained therein are also parallel with each other. These display panels will be described in detail herein below.

Referring in detail to U shaped channel 4 of FIG. 1 it can be seen that the channel incorporates a bottom section 4a and a pair of opposing side sections 4b and 4c. The upper edges of opposing side sections 412 and 4c incorporate a pair of opposing lips 12 and 14. These lips are adapted to secure scores which are an integral part of the display panels. U shaped channels 6 and 8 likewise incorporate lip sections l6, 18, 20 and 22.

With reference to FIG. 3, 4, and 5 it can be seen that display panel 30 incorporates a plurality of scores 36, 36a, 38 40, 42, 44, 46, and 46a. In use display panel 30 is folded inward upon itself in such a fashion that scores 36 and 46 are face to face with each other. When this positioning is effected sheet faces 30a and 3017 are outwardly disposed and are useful as display surfaces. (For example in structures 176, 194, 222 and 228 as will be described in detail herein below.)

Likewise, when this face to face relationship is effected a nip 300 is formed which is illustrated in FIG. 5 and 8. Nip 300 is generally formed by the folding of the two halves of display panel 30 inward on each other. In order to form a nip scores 38 and 42 are provided. These scores allow the two halves of the display panel to be folded inward whereupon the space between these scores 30d becomes the base of the nip. When the display panel is folded inward upon itself as described above scores 40 and 44 are outwardly disposed. These scores are then adapted to receive lips 12 and 14 in such a fashion that the nip is secured in the channel 4 of the composite hinge section.

Both sides of display panel 30 are scored in accordance with scores 36, 36a, 46 and 46a. These scores on both sides of the edges of display panel 30 allow maximum versatility in its use. In accordance with this aspect of this invention its own loose ends 30a and 30b can be locked into a U shaped channel to produce structures such as 176, 194, 222 and 228 as will be described later.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of display panel 30 wherein opposing scores 38 and 42 are replaced with a single score 37. When the two halves of display panel 30 are folded inward upon itself in a manner as described above a nip (not illustrated) is formed wherein scores 40 and 44 are outwardly disposed.

FIG. 6 further illustrates a display device in accordance with this invention in a folded stance. Display device consist of a composite hinge center section 2 in which are three display panels 30, 31 and 33. The adjacent backs of display panels 30, 31 and 33 are secured to each other by means of three outrigger legs 24, 26 and 28 (not illustrated). This securing is effected by positioning the lips of the outrigger legs in scores 47 and 46a or their equivalents. In the unassembled or folded flat stance outrigger leg 28 which joins backs 30a and 3312 together is removed and stored separately with the composite assembly. When stored flat the display device of this invention occupies minimal storage space.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 it can be seen that the assembly of the display device of this invention is effected by rotating panel 33b in a clockwise direction and panel 30a in counter clockwise direction. When these panels are in a back to back relationship with each other scores 46a and 47 contained thereon are outwardly facing. Panels 30a and 3312 are then secured in relationship with each other by positioning channel 28 over the edge thereof in such a manner that lips 28a and 28b of channel 28 are positioned in scores 46a and 47. The positioning of channel 28 over panels 30a and 33b is further illustrated in detail in FIG. 8 where it can be seen that the channel is generally moved in an axis which is parallel with the axis of scores 46 and 47.

From a further examination of FIG. 6 and 8 it can be seen that panels 30b and 31a and 31b and 33a are securred together with channels 24 and 26. When panels 30a and 31a, 30b and 3317 are secured together in the manner as described above the outrigger legs and hence the composite panel sections are positioned at approximately 120 degree to each other.

FIG. 8 further illustrates an important feature of this invention namely that the opposite segments of each panel for example segment 33a and 33b of panel 33 are stressed against each other. Due to this stressing the display devices of this invention have exceptional structural rigidity. While the applicant does not fully understand all the ramifications of this stressing, it is thought that this stressing occurs on the nips, as is exemplified by nip 336 of FIG. 5 wherein these nips engage channels 4, 6 and 8. That is all components of the display devices of this invention work together to produce a structure of exceptional rigidity when the weight of the display device is considered.

From a detailed examination of FIG. 9 it can be seen that the leading edges of lips 28a and 28b of channel 28 incorporate bevels 28c and 28d which generally facilitates the passage of the channel lips in the scores 46a and 47. In view of the fact that the surfaces of panels 390 and 3317 can be paper or paper like materials these bevels likewise prevent gouging in scores 46a and 47, when channel 28 is being slid over the edges of panels 30a and 33b.

Rotatable displays are also within the realm of this invention. Various embodiments of these rotatable displays and parts therefor are illustrated in FIGS. l3, 14, 15, 16, and 17. Referring to FIG. 13 it can be seen that display 50 incorporates an upper display section 56 and a base portion 52. These components are rotatably interconnected by means of bearing member 54.

In this connection it should be noted and as illustrated in FIG. 1 that once the display 2 is assembled a triangular shaped apeture 3 is produced. For purposes of producing a rotatable display a bearing member 54 is provided which is adapted to engage this aperture. Bearing member 54 is illustrated in detail FIG. 14. From this figure it can be seen that bearing 54 consist of a pair of opposing end section 58 and 60 and a center portion 62. Section 58 and 60 are of such a diameter that they are adapted to be received in apeture 3. Center portion 62 is of such a thickness that the outrigger channel sections of display section 56 and base portion 52 do not rub or bind each other. End sections 58 and 60 of bearing 54 are generally tapered to allow the easy insertion of these ends into triangular apetures 3. Bearing 54 can be formed from many types of materials such as wood, metal or a plastic. The preferred material is a plastic having a low coefficient of friction such as a teflon or a nylon.

Another rotatable display device in accordance with this invention is illustrated in FIG. 15. In this instance a display section 56, which is identical to display section 56 as described above, is positioned on a circular base 62. This base incor porates a post 66 which is adapted to be received in apeture 3 in a manner as described above in connection with end section 58 and 60 of bearing 54. Base 62 further incorporates a bush ing 64. This bushing generally positions display section 56 slightly above base 62 and the surrounding floor in such a fashion that outrigger channel sections 53, 55 and 57 do not abut against or drag on the floor in such a fashion as to impede the rotation of display section 56. In accordance with the preferred aspects of this invention bushing 64 is formed from a low friction material such as a nylon, teflon or polyethylene.

FIG. 16 and 17 illustrate still another rotatable display device and component parts therefor in accordance with this invention. This structure uses a display section 56 which is identical to that described above. Positioned in apeture 3 is a bearing support 72 which has a pair of opposing end sections 84 and 86. These end sections are connected by a center sec tion 78. End sections 84 and 86 are adapted to be received in apetures not illustrated which are contained in the ends of poles 70 and 74. These poles can consist of any convenient material which incorporates a central apeture. In accordance with the preferred aspect of this invention poles 70 and 74 consist of sections of a hinge center section which are securred together in such a manner that the channels are not pivotally connected with each other. The upper extremity of pole 74 incorporates a spring biased support 76 which allows the overall structure to be positioned between ceilings and floors of varying heights. Once the overall structure is positioned between a ceiling and a floor spacers 80 and 82 relieve the pressure which the spring biased support 76 puts on the poles 70 and 74. That is as the result of these spacers the ends of the hinge center section of display 56 do not bind and it is allowed to rotate freely.

In the above description the fastening of various panels together so as to produce a finished structure is accomplished by the slipping of a locking channel, for example channel 28, over the edges of these panels. In accordance with another aspect of this invention the outrigger channels are not needed but instead a display device is produced which is supported by a hinge center section. This embodiment 25 is generally illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 wherein panel 27 is formed as a continuous unit from a single sheet of material. In order to provide a joint between the edges 27a and 27b which can be opened and closed, these edge sections are provided with a snap 29 having opposing male and female snaps section 29a and 29b. In this embodiment it is understood by one skilled in the-art that many types of fastening arrangements can be used in lieu of snap 29 for example a section of locking channel as described above which is the same length as edges 27a and 27b can be used to efi'ect this fastening. LIkewise hook and loop panel fastening means can be used. It is within the realm of this invention to utilize these alternative fastening means.

When the alternative embodiment 25 of this invention as is described above is utilized an appropriate base may be provided to allow the display to stand upright. Examples of suitable bases are described above in connection with rotatable displays.

Sheet materials which can be used in accordance with this invention to form the panels of the display device include sheets of polymeric materials.

Examples of polymericmaterials which are suited for use in this invention include both homopolymeric and copolymeric substances, such as (1) vinyl resins formed by the polymerization of vinyl halides or by .the copolymerization of vinyl halides with with unsaturated polymerizable compounds, e.g., vinyl esters, B-unsaturated acids, B-unsaturated esters, B-unsaturated ketones, B-unsaturated aldehydes and unsaturated hydrocarbons such as butadienes and styrenes; (2) poly olefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyisoprene, and the like, including copolymers of polyolefins'; (3) polyurethanes such as are prepared from polyols and'organic polyisocyanates; (4) polyamides such as polyhcxamethylene adipamids; (5) polyesters such as polymethylene terephthalates; (6) polycarbonates; (7) polyacetals; (8) polyethylene oxide; (9) polystyrene, including polymers of styrene with monomeric compounds such as acrylonitrile and butadiene; (l) acrylic resins as exemplified by the polymers of methyl acrylate, actylamide, methylol acrylamide, acrylonitrile, and copolymers of these with styrene, vinyl pyridines, etc; (11) neoprene; (l2) condensates of aldehydes, especially formaldehyde and formaldehyde engendering substances such as paraformaldehyde; (l3) modified and unmodified condensates of hydroxy benzenes like phenol, resereinol etc., with the aforementioned aldehydes; (l4) silicones such as aimethyl andmethyl hydrogen polysiloxanes; (l) unsaturated polyesters; (l6) cellulose esters including the nitrate, acetate, propionate, etc; (17) phenoxy resins; (l8) poly'sulfanes and; (I9) polyphenylene oxide resins. This list is not meant to be limiting or exhaustive but merely to illustrate the wide range of polymeric materials which may be employed in the present invention.

The invention is also adapted to utilize a plurality of wood base products such as plywood, wood fiber composites, sheet lumber solid fiber paper, corrugated paper etc. The latter mentioned corrugated paper is particularly suited for use in this invention in that it is readily available, economical, light and it can be readily scored in such a fashion that it will flex or bend on a score line.

The most preferred sheet material for use in accordance with this invention are paper-foam plastic composite sheets as are illustrated in FIG. 18, 18a and 19 and 19a A suitable composite sheet 88 generally consist of a center layer of foam plastic 91 to which is sandwiched a pair of opposing paper layers 92. It is preferred that foam layer 91 be foamed polystyrene. However, it is understood that this foam layer can be any number of a wide range of foamed plastic materials such as foams of the polymeric materials as described above in connection with sheet materials. It is to be noted that layer 91 can likewise be a cellulose composite material such as may be formed from wood pulp. Composite sheet 91 likewise may incorporate additional layers 93 and 94 which may be for example a decorative layer. With layers 93 and 94 all manner of decoran've coatings for example imitation wood grain surfaces, can be imparted to sheet 88. From FIG. 18a it can be seen that prescored sheet 88 can be held in channel 28 as a single, double thick panel which has been scored on both sides (scores 87a and 87b) A particularly advantageous foam composite panel for use in this invention 90 is generally illustrated in FIG. 19. In this structure a central layer of a rigid or semi foam 91 is backed on one side by a paper layer 92. The other side of central foam layer 91 is backed with a paper layer 92 and a flexible layer of a non rigid foam 96. Layer 96 can be any type of non rigid foam wherein the density and cell size is controlled to produce the desired degree of resiliency. Examples of suitable foams are foamed polyurethane, polyethylene, polystyrene etc.

Foam layer 96 can further incorporate a flocked coating 98 in order to give the sheet a rich appearance. The rich ap pearance and the asethetic properties of the overall display are generally enhanced when the flocked layer is a background color such as a black, deep red or dark green.

When composite sheet 90 is utilized it is not necessary for the sheet to incorporate scores on its outer edge for purpose of allowing the lips of the outrigger channel to engage the same. As is illustrated in FIG. 19a it can be seen that lips 28a and 28b of channel 28 engage foam layer 96. The resilency of this layer prevents channel 28 for slipping thereon.

The channels used to form the hinge section and outrigger support channels for example channels 4, 6, 8, 24, 26 and 28 as described above of this invention can be formed from a large number of metallic and non metallic substances such as steel, aluminum, plastics etc. For maximum structural ridigity it is preferred that these sections be formed from a metal. When these sections are metal they are adapted to grip the above described panel sections in a fashion so as to produce a bond of lasting rigidity. Likewise, the channel sections can be formed from a large variety of plastic materials such as those described above in connection with sheet materials. For strength in some instances it is desirable that these sections be formed from fiber reinforced plastic materials such as materials which are reinforced with glass fibers. Likewise, composite channels formed from a metal and a plastic are useful in accordance with this invention. These dual structures are generally illustrated in FIG. 20-25 A particularly desirable material for forming the hinge sections of these composite structures are thermoplastic materials which are flexible enough to form a live hinge. That is the channels and the hinge section which tie the channels together may be integrally formed. A composite hinge section illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 wherein it can be seen that composite hinge 100 incorporates channels 102, 104, and 106 which are tied together by integral hinges 108 and 110. The exact structure of these hinges depends upon the degree of flexibility desired and upon the physical properties of the plastic materials from which the hinge center section is formed.

When an integral hinge center section is desired as described above the composite center section 100 can be formed in a single extrusion. Hinges 108 and can be formed in this integral extrusion. With some materials it may be desirable to form channels 102 and 104 and 106 in such a fashion that they are inner connected by an unscored web. Hinges 108 and 110 are then cold worked into the extruded section by for example a pair of opposing rollers in such a fashion that minimal orentation of the polymer occurs. By adjusting the tension on the cold forming rollers a hinge of any degree of flexibility can be produced.

From a further examination of FIG. 20 and 21 it can be seen that hinge center section 100 is a composite structure that is the structure consist of a plurality of metal channels 102b, 10417 and 106b which are embedded in polymeric channels 102a, 104a and 106a. This composite structure is very advantageous in that the polymeric channels import flexibility to the overall structure while the metal channels import structural rigidity thereto.

It is understood by one skilled in the art that hinge center sections which are formed solely from a polymeric material such as polypropylene are also within the realm of this invention.

It should likewise be noted that the integral hinge section as described above can be formed by scores on both sides of the channel in lieu of scores on a single side.

FIGS. 22-25 illustrate that hinge center sections which are formed with an integral hinge member can assume a large variety of stances. In view of this flexibility it is apparent that a display using these members have a wide range of design flexibility.

In the structures as discussed above the panels are generally stressed to achieve a rigid display device. Llkewise, the panels are scored in order to allow the channel section to grip the panels. In some instances it is desirable to utilize panels which will not accept a score as display surfaces. In order to permit such use the subject invention incorporates several alternate embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 26, 27 and 28 also 28a and 29. Referring to FIG. 26 in detail it can be seen that this embodiment utilizes a hinge section 1 12 which is similar to the hinge section 2 as described above. Channels 114, 116 and 118 are securred together by hinge means 120 which in its preferred aspects is a section of adhesive tape. Panels 122, 124 and 126 are further securred in hinge section 112. These sheets are of a hard nature such that they will not accept a score. In accordance with this embodiment it is understood that all manner of sheets can be utilized in accordance with this invention.

With reference to FIG. 26 and 27 it can be seen that the edges of panels 122, 124 and 126 are coated with a flexible and resilent strips 122a, 122b, 122e, 122d, 124a, 124e, 124d, 126a, 126b, 126e, and 126d. These strips are of such a nature that the lips of channels 114, 116, 118, 128, 130 and 132 are adapted to engage and retain the same. In accordance with another aspect of this invention the width of the resilent strips can be such that the lips of the U shaped channels is adapted to fit over the edge of the resilent strip when it is positioned over the panel edge. That is the width of the resilent strip is such that it just fits between the innermost edge of the lip and the bottom of the U shaped channel. These resilent strips can be formed from a plurality of materials however in the preferred embodiment these strips are a foamed polymeric material which is backed with a pressure sensitive adhesive.

With reference to FIG. 29 it can be seen that panels 137a and 137b incorporate preformed grooves 1370 and 137d which are adapted to receive channels 136 in a manner as described above.

Positioned between individual panels 137a and 137b is a flexible strip 137h. This flexible strip generally biases grooves 1370 aoutwardly in such a fashion that panel 137 is securely biased in channel 136.

Because panels 122, 124 and 126 are not in a stressed relationship with each other in the finished display it is necessary to provide a means for retaining these panels in an open position in the finished display, for this purpose retainers 134 and 135 are provided. From FIG. 28 it can be seen that these retainers consist of sections of hinge section 1 12. However, in order to allow these retainers to function there is no pivital relationship between the individual channel sections of the retainer. That is these retainers generally consist of sections of a hinge section wherein the channel members are fixed in relationship to each other. Once retainer 134 is positioned over the bottom of the center portion of the display and adjacent to hinge section 112 and retainer 135 is positioned adjacent to the top of hinge section 1 12 the resulting display is made rigid. That is when these retainers are positioned the angular relationship of display panels 112, 124, and 126 is securred. It is to be noted that in this embodiment hinge section 112 is shortened to allow room for the positioning of retainers 134 and 135 in such a manner that in the resulting display these retainers appear to be a part of hinge section 112. As is illustrated in FIG. 28a outrigger channels 128, 130 and 132 are used to support the outer extremities of the finished display 1 13.

It can be seen that in accordance with this embodiment the display device of this invention are adapted to utilize all manner of sheet material as display panels.

FIG. 30 to 77 generally illustrates other embodiments of display devices and panel sections which are within the realm of this invention. It can be seen that by using the hinge section of this invention a large number of display devices can be produced.

Referring to FIG. 30, 31 and 32 it can be seen that a display device can be formed in accordance with this invention wherein base legs are securred directly to the legs of the hinge section. Display device 138 incorporates a hinge section 140 to which is securred base legs 142, 144 and 146. Channel 148 of hinge section 140 is adapted to receive plate 150 having elongated apetures 154 and 156 formed therein. Plate 150 further incorporates a threaded aperture 153 which is adapted to receive set screw 152. When plate is positioned in channel 148, screw 152 is tightened in such a manner that screw end 152a is biased against channel back 148c whereupon plate 150 is biased against and securely positioned against lips 148a and 1481) of channel 148. Leg 146 further incorporates hooks 146a and 146b. When these hooks are positioned in apetures 154 and 156 the hooks engage plate 150 in such a manner that leg 146 is securred in position.

It is to be noted that if leg 146 is reversed and used in pairs these legs can function as a convenient shelf bracket for use in this invention.

With reference to FIGS. 33, 34 and 35 it can be seen that display 158, which is similar to the display discussed in connection with FIGS. 1-8 above has a star cross section with six display sides. In particular it should be noted that the hinge center section can be formed from two component parts 160 as can the outrigger legs in the form of component parts 164. This arrangement generally allows the finished display device to stand upright and yet occupy minimal storage space.

Structure 168 as is illustrated in FIG. 36, 37 and 38 incorporates a four sided star shape having eight display surfaces. For the reason as stated above the hinge center section 170 and the outrigger legs 172 are formed in two parts.

FIGS. 39, 40 and 41 illustrate a triangular structure 174 which can be formed using the component parts of this invention.

Still another triangular display 176 in accordance with this invention is illustrated in FIGS. 42, 43 and 44. In display 176 three double channel hinge sections 180, 182 and 184 are utilized. Members 182 and 184 are short segments of hinge sections. It is to be noted that by using these short segments an extra display surface 178 and dimension is added to display 176.

A display 18 in accordance with this invention having a shelf 188 is illustrated in FIGS. 45 to 48. This display incorporates one scored panel providing a pair of opposing display surfaces 184 and 186 which are at right angles to shelf 188. The shelf incorporates a score 190 which allows it to fold downwardly when the display is folded for storage. Shelf 188 is made rigid by the positioning of channel 192 over its outer edge.

FIGS. 49, 50 and 51 illustrate a folding display 194 which incorporates eight display surfaces. The display further utilizes three double hinge sections 196, 198 and 200. For the reasons as stated above the hinge section and other channels of this display are segmented into two parts.

In FIGS. 52 to 54 a box type display 202 is illustrated having opposing display surfaces 204 and 206. Hinge sections 208 are segmented into two parts and are attached to base 210.

A display 212 having six angular shelves 220 is illustrated in FIG. 55, 56 and 57. The display is supported by a hinge section 214 and three outrigger legs 216. Shelves 220 are attached to the six vertical display surfaces 218 by means of scores 220a and 220b.

Six panel displays 222 having 12 display surfaces are illustrated in FIGS. 58 to 66. It can be seen that this unit is capable of producing a display of wide range of configurations. Depending on the configuration desired a right angle locking channel 224 or an angular locking channel 226 may be used. In all of the embodiments illustrated four locking channels are utilized, however, it is understood that a suitable display could be produced using only two locking channels. Those locking channels may be produced from a single extrusion or by locking the components of a hinge section together.

A multiple purpose display 228 which is capable of assuming multiple configurations is illustrated in FIGS. 67 to 70. This displaydifi'ers from the display of FIGS. 58 to 66 in that it incorporates a double center panel section 220. This center panel is locked into position with a double channel locking channel 232. Depending on the configuration desired locking channels 224 or 226 are utilized.

FIGS. 71 to 77 represent still another display device of this invention, this display is particularly advantageous in that when folded up it forms its own brief case. Display 234 incorporates a handle section 235 which is locked in place with a U shaped channel 236. It can be seen that handle section 235 consist of a pair of opposing halves 235a and 235b. Once these halves are open they are folded down upon display panels 238 and 239. Display 234 may then be assembled in a manner which is analgous to the description given above in connection with FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 using channel 236 as the locking channel. It should be noted that once the display is assembled the handle section 235 is concealed out of sight between display panels 238 and 239.

As is illustrated in detail in FIG. 77 the one-half of handle section 235a is pivotely attached to display panel 238 with hinge 240. This pivotal attachment can be effected by a variety of means. It is preferred that hinge 240 be formed by sheet material 241 which is overlaid over display panel 238 and handle section 235a. In accordance with the preferred 1 aspects of this invention sheet material 241 has a decorative finish in such a fashion that a'decorative finish is imparted to display 234 in toto.

From the above description it can be seen that display 234 is particularly advantageous in that it can be carried around as a brief case and yet set up to form a display in a short period of time.

From the above description it can be seen that by using the hinge section concept it is possible to produce an almost endless variety of displays. While a large number of displays are illustrated in FIGS. 40 to 77 it is understood by one skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments.

What is claimed is:

l. A display device comprising a composite hinge section having at least three elongated members which are pivotally connected, a pair of opposing display panels attached to each elongated member, all adjacent display panels attached to adjacent elongated members, being attached to each other, all of said display panels being locked into a stressed relationship with each other when the non adjacent end display panels are rotated into an abutting position with each other.

2. The display device of claim 1 wherein said elongated members consist of channels having a U shaped cross section, which are adapted to receive the edges of said display panels.

3. The display device of claim 2 wherein said channels having a U shaped cross section further incorporate inwardly facing lips which engage the display panel.

4. The display device of claim 1 wherein said elongated members are pivotally connected by means of sheet materials which is attached thereto.

5. The display device of claim 4 wherein said sheet material is an adhesive backed tape.

6. The display device of claim 1 wherein said display panels incorporate a plurality of scores which are adapted to engage said elongated members.

7. The display device of claim 6 wherein said elongated members consist of channels having a U shaped cross section and further incorporate inwardly facing lips which engage the display panel, and wherein said U shaped channels are pivotally connected by means of sheet material which is attached thereto.

8. The display device of claim I wherein said display device is rotatably attached to a base section.

9. The display device of claim 1 wherein all said display panels are attached to each other by the outermost edges of said adjacent display panels which are parallel to the axis of said composite hinge section.

10. The display device of claim 7 wherein said display panel is formed from a paper-foam plastic composite material. 

1. A display device comprising a composite hinge section having at least three elongated members which are pivotally connected, a pair of opposing display panels attached to each elongated member, all adjacent display panels attached to adjacent elongated members, being attached to each other, all of said display panels being locked into a stressed relationship with each other when the non adjacent end display panels are rotated into an abutting position with each other.
 2. The display device of claim 1 wherein said elongated members consist of channels having a U shaped cross section, which are adapted to receive the edges of said display panels.
 3. The display device of claim 2 wherein said channels having a U shaped cross section further incorporate inwardly facing lips which engage the display panel.
 4. The display device of claim 1 wherein said elongated members are pivotally connected by means of sheet materials which is attached thereto.
 5. The display device of claim 4 wherein said sheet material is an adhesive backed tape.
 6. The display device of claim 1 wherein said display panels incorporate a plurality of scores which are adapted to engage said elongated members.
 7. The display device of claim 6 wherein said elongated members consist of channels having a U shaped cross section and further incorporate inwardly facing lips which engage the display panel, and wherein said U shaped channels are pivotally connected by means of sheet material which is attached thereto.
 8. The display device of claim 1 wherein said display device is rotatably attached to a base section.
 9. The display device of claim 1 wherein all said display panels are attached to each other by the outermost edges of said adjacent display panels which are parallel to the axis of said composite hinge section.
 10. The display device of claim 7 wherein said display panel is formed from a paper-foam plastic composite material. 